Panthers: Hurney late first-round NFL Draft pick history

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers looks on as Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers looks on as Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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Review how Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney has performed during the first-round of the NFL Draft with later selections…

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney received a rare opportunity in regards to any position with an NFL franchise. Relieved of his duties in 2012, he was hired again to the same job after serving as an interim during this past season.

Inheriting a roster just two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance, Hurney has been responsible for bringing a majority of those pieces to Carolina. Either through the NFL Draft or by trade, Hurney assisted in building a foundation of now veteran contributors.

Defensive end Julius Peppers was the first draft choice for Hurney during his initial stint in the role of general manager, the second overall selection that year. His first-round highlights include notable names in Panthers history, many of whom are still playing today.

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In addition to Peppers, Jordan Gross, Thomas Davis, Jonathan Stewart, Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly were all first-round draft picks made by Hurney. Tight end Greg Olsen was brought on board via a trade with the Chicago Bears. However, each draft choice was made in the top half of the first-round, with Davis being the latest selected of the group, using pick No. 14 in the first round.

The Panthers currently select with pick No. 24 this year but Hurney has also had success making picks late in the first-round. In three other drafts orchestrated by Hurney, the Panthers picked later than No. 24 but the current general manager was still able to land some quality talent.

DeAngelo Williams, Jon Beason and Chris Gamble were selected with picks No. 27, 25 and 28, respectively. Each was on the roster in Carolina for a significant amount of their careers and Gamble for its entirety.

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Although Hurney may be known for his tendency to land impressive prospects when armed with a high pick, his track record late in the first-round is also impressive.